Holtby, who tied a Capitals franchise record with 73 appearances, missed Washington's 4-3 win in Game 2 at Verizon Center on Friday with an illness. He made 23 saves in Game 1 on Wednesday, a 4-1 Islanders win.

Rookie goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who made 18 saves in his first NHL playoff start in Game 2, dressed as the Capitals backup goalie. Washington also has goalie Justin Peters, who hasn't played since March 28 and hasn't started since February 15.

"That decision was based on his body of work," Trotz said, "[Grubauer has] played a lot more games. He's played more recently. I just felt that seeing more pucks and being in more of a rhythm was the way to go and that's why he is backing up today."